Corvette ZR2: Little Known Nameplate With a ‘Big’ Engine
Built on L88 parts, the 1971 Corvette ZR2 was for racers only, and the option alone cost more than a standard C3.
Modern cars are fast to the point where you really wouldn’t want to be putting just anyone behind the wheel. Truth be told though, this isn’t really a modern problem. Chevrolet experienced the same thing with the C3 Corvette by way of the ZR2. Many enthusiast here probably know of the L88 Corvette. It was the secret code for wanting a racing engine in a street Corvette. But the L88 was more than just the engine. It had upgraded brakes, heavy duty suspension, and the infamous “rock crusher” 4-speed manual from Muncie.
Those components carried over to other models after the L88 production run terminated in ’69. Initially those parts went into the ZR1. Similar in all ways to the L88 except it has a 350 small block LT-1. In 1971, you could get the ZR2. Which was the ZR1, but one better. Actually, way more than one. Power for the ZR2 is delivered by a 454 big block, bringing back the allure of the original L88. Also like the prior version, this option came at a hefty cost. Silodrome reports the cost was $7,673 dollars. Keep in mind, a standard C3 MSRP at the time rang in at $5,469.00.
But granted, you did get a lot of car for the money. That LS6 big block pumps out 425 horsepower and 475 lb/ft of torque. That’s a lot for today, and that’s more than a handful in the bias-ply tire era. As such, to get one, you literally had to know they existed in the first place, again like the L88. Twelve people knew the ZR2 existed.
Or rather, 12 people saw the value in a car like this, as that’s the number of them that were made. The lucky dozen got a vintage take on something modern: a stripped out track only version of a sports car.
Air conditioning, radio, and other comfort options were specifically deleted when the option box for ZR2 is ticked. So you had to really want one. And with values in the 7 digit range, you have to really want one today, as well. What’s old is new again.
Photos: Silodrome
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